Narain karthikeyan newsday

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He drove for several teams including Team Impul, Dandelion Racing, and Team Le Mans. This achievement stood out especially given his young age.

Early Career Progress: The year 1993 saw Karthikeyan compete in both the Formula Maruti National racing championship in India and the Formula Vauxhall Junior championship in Great Britain.

His 2013 Auto GP season brought even more success. He replaced Vitantonio Liuzzi at HRT for this special race. Karthikeyan took advantage of Neel Jani’s tire problems and held off a late challenge to claim the win.

Le Mans and endurance racing

Endurance Debut: The year 2009 showed Karthikeyan’s versatility when he finished seventh in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans with Team Kolles in an Audi R10.

His Le Mans experience hit a snag when he dislocated his shoulder right before the race.

He raced in just 10 rounds that season but finished 12th overall in the championship standings.

Carlin Success: The 1999 season brought more success with five podium finishes, including two wins at Brands Hatch. His family earned recognition not just for their educational institutions (PSG Institutions) and businesses, but also for their remarkable achievements on the racing circuit.

Coimbatore Influence: Coimbatore played a vital role in young Narain’s passion.

Starting from the back after a penalty for blocking Michael Schumacher in qualifying, he finished 17th.

Narain Karthikeyan F1 stats and milestones

Career Statistics: Karthikeyan’s Formula 1 career spans 46 Grand Prix starts across three seasons (2005, 2011, and 2012). He could have raced in the 2004 season but couldn’t get enough sponsorship funding.

“My aim has always been to compete in F1, it is where no Indian driver has been before. I never thought I would be racing a Formula One car in India,” he said. He became the first Indian and first Asian to win any championship in Europe by claiming victory in the British Formula Ford Winter Series. "Ajith shared his plan of creating a truly Indian team with Indian drivers.

These early years shaped his dream to become India’s first Formula One driver.

Narain Karthikeyan’s father and his influence

Paternal Guidance: Narain’s father, G.R. Karthikeyan (also known as Kakarla Karthikeyan Naidu), dominated Indian motorsports. His best regular-race finish came at the Malaysian Grand Prix, where he placed 11th.

HRT comeback and the 2011 Indian Grand Prix

Triumphant Return: Karthikeyan surprised everyone with his comeback on January 6, 2011.

He overcame three safety car interventions and tough weather conditions. A lot of people modify their cars and that culture still exists,” Karthikeyan once explained. This dual commitment showed his ambition and growing reputation in racing.

Historic Achievement: His hard work paid off. He tested for the Jaguar Racing team at Silverstone on June 14, making history for Indian motorsport.